What is the best transport in Panama, and how to get around?

Whether or not to travel by plane in Panama?

• Flight time Amsterdam Schiphol - Panama City (AMS-PTY) is 11 hours and 15 minutes. It is good to know that flights from Amsterdam Schiphol are direct. Many islands can be reached only by domestic flights or by boat.

Whether or not to travel by train in Panama?

• There is a beautiful train route from Panama City to Colón. For the rest, you are better off taking the bus.

Whether or not to travel by bus in Panama?

• Bus transportation in Panama is good and is the most normal way to travel. There are paved roads between the major destinations, such as David, Boquete, Colón and Panama City. The “PanAmerican Highway” is used for most routes, and you can wave at a bus to stop it or buy a ticket in town. There are many different bus companies, with varying standards and prices.

Whether or not to travel by car in Panama?

• The roads in Panama are not very bad, and the biggest highway, the “Panamerican Highway” that goes right through the whole country, is actually good. But in the more rural parts, a four wheel drive is really a must. You can rent a car in cities and airports with both a Dutch and an international driver's license. You must be at least 23 years old.

Whether or not to travel by boat in Panama?

• Panama has many islands that can only be reached by boat (or domestic flight).